Posts Tagged ‘dvr’

Built-in DVR Security System – One of Your Best Bets

Hidden Camera, Home Surveillance, Self Recording | Posted by hiddencamerablogger
Dec 27 2009

A built-in DVR security system is a cost-effective, all-in-one tool that will give your home or business all the protection it needs from theft, vandalism, and other unwanted threats to your property.

Tower Fan DVREasy to Install
Contrary to popular belief, having this type of system will usually render professional installation service unnecessary. Its installation procedure is designed for DIY use, allowing you to set up this system in a short period of time.

Your DVR and monitor are rolled into one unit so there’s no need to worry about which wires should be connected to which port. Thus, all you need to do is find the best location for your system and you immediately have a virtual security guard on call 24/7.

Web-Ready
A built-in DVR security system will lessen your network configuration problems. Its web-ready function will launch itself automatically so any time you need to access it online, you just have to key in the necessary details for login and you’ll be able to view stored or real-time footage over the World Wide Web.

Easy Viewing
Built-in security systems may also come with monitors as wide as nineteen inches, allowing you to enjoy complete range of vision on monitored areas. With this kind of monitor, there’s no need to squint and stick your face to the screen just to determine exactly what the subject is doing.

Also, this type of system will also offer viewing options. You can switch viewing from one camera to another with a push of a button.

Large Hard Disk Space
A built-in security system won’t make you worry about running out of disk space when you’re involved in an all-important surveillance operation. With as much as 320GB hard disk space available for your use, you can look forward to continuous recording for up to 480 days. That’s practically one year and three months’ worth of recording!

Instant Notification
This type of system would immediately send you email notifications if your system is suffering from video loss or motion detection. Instant updates on any malfunction or recognition of possible threats to your property would give you more than enough time to take the necessary action and ensure everyone’s safety.

Best Customer Support
Best of all, the most updated models of built-in DVR security systems come with a guarantee of round the clock lifetime customer support. No matter where you are and when you need it, you can be sure that your built-in DVR security system will always be ready to protect you, your loved ones, and your property.

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Surveillance Video Recorder – How Do You Use One

Surveillance Systems | Posted by hiddencamerablogger
Dec 20 2009

Security is an issue that should never be taken for granted, whether it’s for residential, commercial or institutional use. This explains the widespread use of surveillance equipment in many industries in order to ensure the safety of property and personnel. One of the most commonly used security gadgets is the surveillance video recorder, a device that is often chosen for its high functionality and reliability. Learn how to use this type of surveillance system correctly to maximize its features. Here are ways how:

4 Channel Digital Video RecorderWhat do you want to monitor
Do not use a surveillance video recorder simply because you can afford one or that it seems like the ‘in’ thing to do. In the end, it will simply become an unnecessary expense. Before buying and installing this surveillance system, consider your security needs first. It’s likely that your home or building has its own unique requirements, depending on its design, structure and location.

The type and number of security products you need to use will also depend on the number of occupants or personnel you have in the building and on the type/s of property you want to protect. A small home, for example, will have different security needs from a warehouse. Ask yourself what exactly it is that you want a surveillance video recorder to monitor and record. Do you want to protect yourself from burglars? Are there cases of vandalism in the neighborhood? Do you want to see what your children and pets are up to when you’re not around? Knowing how you want to use this device will allow you to plan its location more effectively.

Select a surveillance video recorder with the right specs
When using surveillance video recorders, remember that you do pay for quality. Although technology has improved significantly over the years and has made good quality video recorders more affordable, it’s important that you consider the right specifications for your security needs. Look for type, model, design, image resolution, viewing options (wide angle, pan, tilt, zoom, etc.) and power options for the perfect fit.

Avoid recording in private locations
There are locations in the home and places of business where this type of surveillance system must never be installed. This includes areas such as the toilet, bathroom, wash room, locker room, changing area and closet. Whether a surveillance video recorder is employed as a nanny cam or as a regular security gadget, it is considered illegal for a video recorder to monitor or record areas that are for private use. You could, however, install the camera at hallways leading to these rooms but never put them in areas where they can catch people at their most private moments.

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Black and White Color Quads – Basic Guide to Using One

Surveillance Systems | Posted by hiddencamerablogger
Dec 18 2009

Many of today’s surveillance equipment are multi-functional devices. Gone are the days when one camera can only be connected to a single monitor and recorder. Thanks to black and white and color quads, it’s now possible to hook up several cameras at once and view footage from different angles and locations. So what are quads and how do they work?

4 Channel Color or Black and White QuadWhat is a Quad?
A quad is a type of video equipment accessory that is used to handle multiple feeds from more than one camera. This allows the user to view images on a split screen. In most cases, a quad can handle feeds from up to 4 cameras at once, although there are also other types of accessories that can process even more.

A quad also lets one have a full screen view from only one camera. Simply toggle the switcher mode so you can change the viewing angle from one camera to the next.

A black & white quad can show images for a black & white monitor while a color quad can transmit color images to a color monitor. Both types of monitors can be used with a single quad at once.

When do you need a black & white and color quad?
Not every type of surveillance or security equipment requires this type of quad. A quad is used only when there are multiple cameras running. You could, for example, use a quad to connect four cameras at once, record their footage or monitor them. It also doesn’t matter whether you will be recording or not. If you wish to simply monitor the footage from several cameras, a quad can help you do so.

A black & white or color quad if you have a DVR running that’s recording the footages. DVRs often have a quad already built into them.

Limitations of black & white and color quads
Quads are very useful and they help bring down the cost in terms of equipment purchase. Since they can split a monitor two to four ways, there’s no need to buy an extra set of monitors just to be able to view images from several cameras simultaneously.

Most often, video or image quality is still maintained if the quad handles two to four camera feeds. Video quality often begins to suffer once feeds from one or two additional cameras are processed. There are products, however, that can readily handle videos with good quality images even if they are transmitting up to 8 feeds at once. When buying a quad, always check the quality of the videos that come out. That way you will have a product that can perform satisfactorily.

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Digital Video Recorder for Surveillance – Selecting the Best One for You

Business, Video Recording | Posted by hiddencamerablogger
Dec 13 2009

8 Channel Digital Video RecorderOne of the usual reasons that people buy digital video recorders is for surveillance. These gadgets offer much in terms of functionality and convenience for personal, residential and business uses. Their design has been refined over the years, making them easier to install and use. But faced with such a wide range of choices, would you know which one is right for you? Here are some of the most important features to check:

Stationary DVR  vs. Portable
Stationary DVRs are installed and kept in a particular area, whether it’s a room or building. These are dedicated surveillance equipment meant to monitor an area continuously.

Portable video recorders, on the other hand, are less bulky (but not necessarily lacking in function) because they are designed to be handy. Very often, they are designed to resemble an ordinary object, such as a pen, a radio clock, a smoke detector, a watch or a cellphone so they are easier to conceal. Their appearance also makes them easier to use for covert recording.

Capacity Factor
Capacity generally refers to the device’s memory, or the amount of data that a DVR can store and manage for surveillance. If you’ll be using the recorder for continuous surveillance, such as for home or business establishment security, you will need a DVR with a higher capacity, such as one that has 320GB to 500GB of memory. When it comes to handheld DVRs, the ones with as low as 2GB to 4GB memory will often suffice for short-term recordings.

Connectivity Considerations
Connectivity is another important factor when deciding on which digital video recorder to choose for surveillance. If you plan on monitoring several areas simultaneously using just one DVR, then look for a unit that has this feature. Depending on the make and model, a DVR can handle from four to about 16 cameras all at once.

Portable versions, such as handheld DVRs, are generally simpler and can only handle images from one camera which are usually built into the device itself. A few models, however, can be connected to as many as four cameras.

Image Upload
A digital video recorder basically requires a monitor to allow you to view recorded images. Depending on what you already have (or are willing to buy), find out which types of devices the DVR is compatible with. In most cases, it can probably be linked to a computer or directly to a TV set.

Storage Concern
If you want to save the images onto a storage media (and it’s likely you will want to), select a digital video recorder that can work with a DVD or CD burner or connected to a flash USB drive. This will make it easy for you to reference or review events.

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USB DVR – Review

Video Recording | Posted by hiddencamerablogger
Dec 11 2009

If it hadn’t been for digital video recorders, we would still be stuck with annoying grainy video images on tape and distorted audio. Now, we get to enjoy the features and functions that only a USB digital video recorder can offer. But does it offer enough for you to actually need one? Here’s a short review of this gadget:

USB DVRIts Format
USB digital video recorders basically produce images using MPEG4 or AVI formats. These are quite helpful because these formats are not resource hungry and will help you save a lot in terms of memory — excellent if you only have a few gigabytes to spare.

If overwriting older footage is not something you want, you could also choose a USB DVR that has an SD card slot so you can expand its built-in data storage. This will allow you to make continuous recordings of one or multiple activities without worrying that you’ll fill up your storage quickly.

DVR’s Recording mode
The most popular brands of USB digital video recorders offer several recording modes. This is a feature that lets you change the image settings and quality for footage you are about to capture. You could, for example, set the frame capture at a lower number per second — say, 18 fps — for footage showing normal activities.

If the footage you are recording is quick-paced, such as of a person running or a car passing by or if you’re trying to capture footage of an active football game, you could set the frame speed at a higher rate. This will help result to better quality recording, with less pixelation or distortion.

You could also configure the resolution of the image prior to capture so the DVR will produce sharper and clearer footage.

Connectivity Considerations
The USB digital video recorder works seamlessly with almost any regular computer. This allows for easier and faster viewing of recorded photos and videos. Once the connection has been established with a computer, photos and other images may then be uploaded, viewed, edited or shared.
Problems

While this type of video recorder can produce good quality images and footage, they aren’t perfect. At least, not yet. Recording images on high resolution can sometimes suffer in quality, particularly if they are being taken using high speeds. A recording mode using a resolution of 720×480, for example, will not produce the same imaging quality if taken at a higher speed of, say 30 fps. Making a few adjustments, however, will correct this. You could simply set the DVR at a lower fps for a higher resolution image capture.

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Mini Digital Video Recorder – When to Use One and Why?

Video Recording | Posted by hiddencamerablogger
Dec 07 2009

Are you planning to purchase a mini digital video recorder?  These tiny, handheld gadgets are some of the bestselling surveillance items today, thanks to their myriad functions.  Mini digital video recorders are equally as useful as security devices as they are gadgets for recreation.  Find out more about this tool, how it works and when to use one.

Mini Digital Video RecorderWhat exactly is a mini digital video recorder?
This is an electronic device designed to capture audio and video signals, convert them into electronic data and store them for later viewing.

A mini digital video recorder or DVR is a smaller version of the more traditional (and sizable) DVR.  It has the same design and functions packed into a small casing to make it easy to carry, install and conceal.

When do you need one?
This gadget is an excellent choice for capturing and storing images.  Their connectivity makes them easy to use, provided of course that there are no compatibility issues with an external device.  While they may not be the best choice for all video capturing activities, they do offer certain advantages.  Here are some situations when a mini digital video recorder is the better choice:

Its portability and convenience
Because it is small, the mini digital video recorder is handy enough to fit comfortably in the palm of the hand.  There are even DVRs that are small enough to double as pendants or as key chains.

If handling and portability are your main concerns, the mini digital video recorder can offer you digital recording functions in an easy to carry and lightweight package.  It’s also unobtrusive enough to be used conveniently even for tight spaces or awkward positions — something that you cannot readily expect from the more traditionally sized (albeit handy) DVRs.

When you need to record information secretly
Because of its size, this device can be worn on the body and remain unnoticed even while it is turned on.

Beware, though, that not every recording done using this type of recorder may be considered legal.  There are federal and state laws that will limit the kind of recording you make, particularly if you are making it surreptitiously without the knowledge and consent of the subject/s.  Make sure you understand what your legal limitations are before making any recordings.

Its reliable image recording feature
Images produced by the digital video recorder are easier to store, edit and save.  Although mini DVRs don’t store as many hours of playback as their bigger sized versions, there is enough memory in these gadgets to allow you to record several hours of activities.  Since images are digital, they are sharper, clearer and will remain as such even after a long time.

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Briefcase Surveillance System – What It Contains and How It Works

Spy Cams, Surveillance Systems | Posted by hiddencamerablogger
Nov 29 2009

Briefcase Surveillance SystemIt’s too usual that it’s almost often ignored. The handy briefcase has been the equipment of choice by a wide variety of professionals ranging from teachers to salesmen to detectives and yes, even spies.  The unassuming briefcase is every spy’s best friend, capable of keeping secrets, storing fascinating spy equipment and, thanks to innovations in recent years, even storing a complete surveillance system.  Thinking of buying a briefcase surveillance system?  Here is a short guide to its contents and how it works:

Camera
A briefcase surveillance system usually includes at least one camera integrated into its physical structure in order to record images.  These cameras are capable of producing high resolution images and may be played in color or black and white.

Because this is used for surveillance purpose, the cameras are capable of handling images in low lighting.  In some models, black and white cameras have the advantage of having lenses with maximum illumination of as low as .003 lux, a feature that allows it to produce good images even in near darkness.

Dependent on the model, the lenses on a briefcase camera are auto-focal lenses, although there are others that may be equipped with zoom lenses that can be manipulated remotely.

Microphone
The microphone is also included in the briefcase surveillance system so it can receive audio transmission during a video recording.

DVR
The briefcase also has a mini digital video recorder connected to the camera.  All images captured by the camera are recorded by this device and may be uploaded onto a computer or viewed through a monitor later.

Power supply
Each briefcase contains cables, battery packs and power supplies.  Because the briefcase surveillance system is essentially a wireless device, it derives its power from a battery pack.  Batteries are generally rechargeable and capable of running the briefcase for a few hours.

How it works
The briefcase surveillance system is used basically to obtain and record information.  It has been used for many years but only by professionals.  Recently, though, it has been made available to private individuals.

The most usual function of this surveillance system is for recording still and video images using cameras built into the bag.  The cameras are activated by a hidden switch or by way the bag is carried.  One model, for example, uses its side camera if it is lifted and carried by the user.  If the bag is laid on its side, it automatically switches to the camera located in its bottom panel.

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